Jonathan Siegrist Sends La Rambla (5.15a)

J-Star has done it again, ticking off his second 5.15a with La Rambla in Siurana, Spain. Siegrist worked the classic 40-meter line—one of the first of its grade—for 12 days before clipping the chains on March 20. Last year, he climbed his first 5.15a, Biographie/Realization, in Céüse, France—a Sharma route (2001) considered to be the benchmark for 5.15a.

When asked how it felt to send La Rambla, Siegrist replied: “Incredible! I really feel strongly that no send is ever guaranteed for me. All I can do is arrive prepared and try hard.” His months of intense training prior to the trip paid off.

In 1994, Alexander Huber established La Rambla, calling it a 5.14c. It took nine years for the route to be repeated. The Spaniard Ramón Julián Puigblanque made the second ascent in 2003, extending the route 20 feet and giving it the grade of 5.15a.

“The first 100 feet or so of the route flow really nicely together—some hard moves, but it’s mostly resistant,” Siegrist says. “There’s a decent rest just before the long, bouldery crux at the top, which is a series of snappy moves between edges and pockets.”

Siegrist was inspired to climb La Rambla because of its legendary status, and because of Siurana’s “old-school Spanish style,” which he knew he would love.

“I’m super motivated by history and this place has been a proving ground for decades,” says Siegrist, “not to mention that the line is enormous and beautiful.”

As for what’s next: “I’ve got more than 2 months remaining over here in Europe. I’d like to do some more of this amazing climbing here in Siurana and the surrounding areas. Eventually I want to make my way back to Switzerland and get terrified in the mountains on something bigger.”

Check out the video his send here

I spent three months training, preparing and sacrificing for a single moment that came to pass this afternoon – topping out La Rambla in Siurana, Spain. Sends like this always feel so unpredictable, so fragile. To be finished is a huge relief, as any climber can relate to. I had a lot of support from friends and family on this one – during my training and during my climbing. Huge thanks everyone. So STOKED! Onward!!! ? @etteloc @arcteryx @metoliusclimbing @lasportivana @maximropes @climbonproducts @smithoptics @epictv

A photo posted by Jonathan Siegrist (@jonathansiegrist) on Mar 20, 2015 at 9:24am PDT